Experienced New York City Probate Attorney Helps Guide You Through the Process

Probate is the process by which a decedent’s Will is admitted to the Surrogate’s Court so that the financial wishes of the decedent may be carried out by the Executor named in the Will. Herman Max Leibowitz has more than 35 years of experience in probate law and estate administration, and knows how to ease the stress of probate by guiding executors and beneficiaries through this often perplexing process.

The Procedure for Probate of a WillMost executors are family members or friends of the decedent, and have rarely if ever probated a will or become familiar with the process of estate administration. Attorney Herman Max Leibowitz can guide you through the complex probate process, including:

Filing the will with the New York Surrogate’s Court

Developing the best strategy for fairly and expeditiously probating the estate

Finding and collecting the estate assets

Closing the decedent’s bank accounts and opening the estate account

Transferring assets from the deceased to the estate

Filing estate tax returns and paying estate taxes

Appraising, managing, preserving, and liquidating the estate assets

Locating beneficiaries

Hiring valuation and other experts, when appropriate

Attempting to resolve family disputes

Valuing and Managing the EstateI assist executors and administrators with the complex process of collecting, managing, valuing, protecting and liquidating the assets of the estate. I have a team of experts available to assist in every aspect of estate administration. When appropriate, I work with accountants, financial advisers, real estate agents, property managers, and other professionals to assist the executor in his or her duties. I can access expert opinions about unique assets such as antiques, rare books, stamp and coin collections, and other collectables for accurate valuation, management and possible sale.

Probate DisputesEven in apparently straightforward estate cases, there are sometimes disputes between beneficiaries or among family members. Wherever possible, I attempt to resolve these disputes in an informal manner, outside of the courtroom. When necessary, I assert the rights of my client, whether it be the estate, the executor, or a beneficiary in the appropriate court, whether it be the surrogate’s court, state supreme court, or Federal court.

To view materials presented by Mr. Leibowitz at his seminars, click here.

Contact Herman Max Leibowitz When You Have a Will to Probate I serve clients in New York City and throughout Westchester and Long Island. Call my firm at 212-764-1018 or contact me online. I am happy to provide a free office consultation when you have a Will to probate or an estate to be administered.